If your artificial lawn smells unpleasant, you’re not imagining it.
One of the most searched problems in the UK artificial turf market is:
“Why does my artificial grass smell of dog urine?”
The good news?
The smell is not inevitable.
The better news?
It’s preventable — and in most cases, fixable.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Why artificial grass develops urine odour
- How to remove existing smells
- The biggest installation mistakes
- Long-term prevention strategies
- When replacement is the only real solution
Why Artificial Grass Smells of Dog Urine
Artificial grass itself does not create smell.
The odour comes from:
- Ammonia in dog urine
- Bacteria growth
- Urine pooling beneath the surface
- Poor drainage systems
- Incorrect sub-base installation
In UK conditions, damp weather can worsen the issue by slowing evaporation.
The Real Cause: Drainage Failure
In over 80% of odour cases, the root cause is poor drainage.
This happens when:
- The backing is not sufficiently permeable
- The sub-base is compacted incorrectly
- There is no proper MOT Type 1 base
- Sand layers trap moisture
- Cheap latex backing restricts airflow
When urine cannot drain vertically, it stagnates — creating ammonia build-up and bacterial growth.
No cleaning product can permanently fix trapped urine beneath the turf.
Immediate Fix: How to Remove Artificial Grass Dog Urine Smell
If the smell is recent or mild, try this step-by-step method.
Step 1: Rinse Thoroughly
Use a garden hose to flush the affected area.
In the UK, regular rainfall often helps — but targeted rinsing is more effective.
Step 2: Apply an Enzyme Cleaner
Use a pet-safe enzyme-based artificial grass cleaner.
Enzymes break down:
- Uric acid crystals
- Bacteria
- Organic residue
Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals — they can damage fibres and harm pets.
Step 3: Brush the Fibres
Brushing helps:
- Lift flattened fibres
- Improve airflow
- Prevent moisture trapping
Step 4: Improve Drainage Flow
If water pools after rinsing, your issue is structural — not surface-level.
What NOT to Do
Avoid:
- Pouring undiluted disinfectant
- Using pressure washers excessively
- Masking smell with fragranced sprays
- Ignoring sub-base issues
Temporary solutions only delay the problem.
When Cleaning Doesn’t Work
If the smell keeps returning after rain or cleaning, it usually means:
- Urine has soaked into the sub-base
- The turf backing restricts drainage
- The base was not installed correctly
In these cases, surface treatment will not solve the issue.
The solution may involve:
- Lifting sections of turf
- Replacing the base layer
- Installing higher drainage backing
How Proper Installation Prevents Smell
A correctly installed dog friendly artificial grass system should include:
- Adequate excavation depth
- Compacted MOT Type 1 base
- Sharp sand levelling
- Permeable membrane
- High-drainage turf backing
Premium systems like ARTTRAGrass® use advanced bio-backed green backing technology, supporting airflow and vertical drainage.
This drastically reduces the risk of urine stagnation compared to traditional latex-backed turf.
Why Cheap Artificial Grass Smells More
Budget turf often uses:
- Dense latex backing
- Limited perforation
- Poor-quality fibres
- Weak seam bonding
These materials trap moisture and limit airflow.
Over time, bacteria multiply beneath the surface — especially in multi-dog households.
UK Climate & Artificial Grass Smell
In warmer countries, heat can intensify odour.
In the UK, the main issue is damp conditions slowing evaporation.
That’s why:
- Proper drainage is essential
- Sub-base preparation matters
- Permeable materials outperform sealed systems
Preventing Artificial Grass Dog Urine Smell Long-Term
To prevent future problems:
✔ Rinse High-Use Areas Weekly
✔ Remove Solid Waste Promptly
✔ Use Enzyme Cleaner Monthly
✔ Ensure Proper Drainage During Installation
✔ Choose High-Permeability Turf
Prevention is far easier than correction.
Is Artificial Grass Always Going to Smell with Dogs?
No.
When:
- The product is high quality
- The backing is breathable
- Installation is professional
- Drainage is correct
Artificial grass can remain odour-free for years. Pet infills can also help.
Thousands of UK households successfully use dog friendly artificial grass without issues.
When Replacement Is the Best Option
If:
- The base is saturated with urine
- The backing is non-permeable
- Smell returns within days of cleaning
You may need to replace the turf and rebuild the base properly.
When upgrading, choose a system designed specifically for pet use — not decorative garden turf.
Why Many UK Dog Owners Upgrade to ARTTRAGrass®
If you’re experiencing persistent artificial grass dog urine smell, it’s often due to:
- Outdated latex-backed turf
- Inadequate drainage
- Poor installation
ARTTRAGrass® is engineered with:
- 100% recyclable bio-backed green backing
- Reduced fossil fuel dependency
- Improved drainage compatibility
- Non-toxic construction
- Availability in 25mm and 35mm
It’s designed specifically for families with pets and children.
Get more information by visiting our Artificial Grass for Dogs service page.
Final Thoughts
Artificial grass dog urine smell is not inevitable.
It’s usually the result of:
- Poor drainage
- Cheap materials
- Installation shortcuts
Fix minor issues with cleaning.
Fix structural issues with better installation.
And if needed — upgrade to a system built for real dog ownership.
Need Expert Advice?
If your artificial lawn smells and you are unsure whether it’s fixable or needs replacing, request a professional assessment.
We will help you determine whether cleaning, drainage correction or full replacement is the best solution.
FAQs: How to Stop Artificial Grass Smelling of Dog Urine
1. Why does my artificial grass smell of dog urine?
Usually due to poor drainage or urine pooling beneath the turf.
2. Can artificial grass smell permanently?
Only if the sub-base is saturated and drainage is inadequate.
3. Does rain remove urine smell?
Rain helps, but proper drainage is more important.
4. What is the best cleaner for artificial grass dog urine?
Pet-safe enzyme cleaners are most effective.
5. Should I use bleach on artificial grass?
No, bleach can damage fibres and harm pets.
6. How often should I rinse artificial grass with dogs?
Weekly for high-use areas.
7. Does pile height affect odour?
Indirectly — shorter piles (25mm) dry faster.
8. Can poor installation cause smell?
Yes, it’s the most common cause.
9. Is eco-friendly artificial grass less likely to smell?
High-quality permeable systems are less prone to odour.
10. When should artificial grass be replaced?
If smell persists despite cleaning and drainage corrections.
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